Paper 9: Tour Guiding Essentials

Module 01: Understanding the importance of tour guiding

THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Principal Investigator Prof. S. P. Bansal,

Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Prashant K. Gautam,

Director, UIHTM, Panjab University, Chandigarh

Prof. Sandeep Kulshreestha,

Paper Coordinator Director, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management

Dr. Saurabh Dixit,

Paper Co-Coordinator Nodal Officer, IITTM, Gwalior

Dr. Saurabh Dixit,

Content Writer Nodal Officer, IITTM, Gwalior

Content Reviewer Dr. Prashant K. Gautam,

Director, UIHTM, Panjab University, Chandigarh
Items Description of Module
Subject Name Tourism and Hospitality

Paper Name Tour Guiding Essentials

Module Title Understanding the importance of tour guiding
Module Id Module no-01
Pre- Requisites Basic knowledge of Tourism and its types

Objectives After completing this chapter you will

• Learn about the importance of tourism
• Know the historical background of tour guiding
• Basics of tour guiding

Keywords  Agri tourism

 Cicerone
 Grand Tours
 LCC
 Adventure Tour
 WTO
 IATO
 TAAI
 GOI
 MOT
 CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Job of a Tour Guide
3. Importance of tour guides in the tourism and travel business
4. Tourism through ages

5. Why Guiding is important

6. History
 QUADRANT-I
Overview
India is a country where the language, food and attire changes every ten kilometers.
People here have diverse languages, dialects, accents and attires, yet our hearts remain
Indian. We are imbibed by one common feeling that is “we are Indian”. When there is
cricket match- Indians throughout hold their breaths and hope their team wins. When
there is a casualty on the border, we remain with the nation. India has many languages
and dialects and a multiplicity of culture, and is united in the face of all this.
1.0 Introduction
India is a country where the language, food and attire changes every ten kilometers.
People here have diverse languages, dialects, accents and attires, yet our hearts remain
Indian. We are imbibed by one common feeling that is “we are Indian”. When there is
cricket match- Indians throughout hold their breaths and hope their team wins. When
there is a casualty on the border, we remain with the nation. India has many languages
and dialects and a multiplicity of culture, and is united in the face of all this.
When a tourist starts from his place, he has a dream to see unique places and wants to
have unique experience. Travel services are purchased in advance by the customer or
consumer. A customer looks for the best service for the price which he pays to different
stake holders e.g. air line operator, event organizers, hotelier, tea-stall owner, or to only
one stakeholder e.g. a travel agent. Travel agent is the key entity liaoning with many
other service producers. A tour starts with a lot of planning usually by tour operators.
Tour operators are experienced in this job. They design an itinerary in such a way that
the tourists get the ‘maximum satisfaction’ or ‘utmost satisfaction’ during their travel. A
tour largely consists of two parts:-
1. Inorganic part
2. Organic part

Tourists use various means of transportation, hotel rooms, use machines like escalators,
self operated kiosks etc. These are the inorganic parts of touring. On the other hand,
tourists interact with tour escorts, guides, leaders and managers. These people try their
best to satisfy tourists through good services. A tour guide works to present excerpts from
history for tourists or make the place alive by telling interesting stories. This is the
organic part. There are three kinds of professional work with the group in field:-
1. Tour Guide
2. Tour Escort
3. Tour Manager
4. Tour Leader

Tour guide is basically associated with whole day tour guiding assignment to the
monument, palace, natural place, hills, adventure activities, ruined structures, devastated
cities, spiritual or religious place lie: Jagannath Puri etc. He handles tour group at the
tourism attraction. His work is practical and filed work. He speaks the language preferred
by the tour group. Tour Guide is authority by the travel agent and certified by appropriate
authority.
1.1 Job of a tour guide
You must have heard at times that a tour guide should be responsible and should
complete his/her job on time. Responsibility refers to successfully expediting your work
with full devotion. A tour guide has many responsibilities for e.g. reaching the hotel on
time, asking all the team members about their likes and dislikes, to ensure all facilities
and amenities on the way, to take the tourists to marked places in the itinerary on time
etc.
It is the responsibility of the tour guide to help travellers understand the place/
monument/ theme park/ location etc. Understanding a place means knowing its
importance - culturally and historically and to be aware of the culture of the region and
the way of life of its inhabitants. They have to promote the cultural heritage and relay to
the visitors the significance of the place they are visiting.
1.2 Importance of tour guides in the tourism and travel business
Tour guiding is an old profession; the concept of tour guiding has existed since ancient
times. Tour guides help you locate the place, to know each and every detail of the place,
to interpret icons, to understand the culture of the place, to understand the language and
interact with the locals, and to enjoy.
Tourist guides play a major role by escorting tourists and interpreting places for a unique
feel. A tour manager/guide is the most important person for a tour operator. He is the link
between tourists and tour operators. The success or failure of a tour depends on his
capability to handle a particular tour. He has more of s significance in adventure tours
because of the specialized nature of this activity. Thus most companies expect the guide
to have a better experience in leading tours. The roles and expectations of a tour operator
is listed below:-
 The tour manager/guide acts as a representative of the travel company.
 Tour manager/guide also acts as an ‘arbitrator’. In case of any confusion/
confrontation like the quality of services, the tour manager has to take appropriate
decision.
 The tour operator has a ‘comprehensive responsibility’ to put the tour together,
expedite reservations, do marketing, handle money related aspects, and manage
tour managers/ guides.

Without a tour guide a tour is not as interesting. There is no story and amusement. A tour
guide engages the tourists with chit chat and keeps them busy. He/she also suggests what
to and what not to eat. He/she also suggests the local cuisine to you. People going to Tel
Aviv may enjoy the local cuisine or famous restaurants, they can also know about the
culture. For example, in Israel, people settle differences on the dinner table in a good
restaurant. Thus tour guides connect the tourists with the place. Otherwise, the tourists
will simply go to the place and come back after seeing it without connecting with the
place.
1.3 Tourism through ages
Tourism is an activity, in which someone travels to a place unusual for him. He stays for
more than 24 hours and less than 01 year. He travels for more than 24 hours and stays in
a commercial accommodation.
In India, there was concept of deshatan, teerthatan and paryatan. It was activity based.
Emphasis was given to experience gained by the tourist. During ancient time, when India
had trade relations with Afghanistan, Iran, Indonesia, Bali, Java, Sumatra, China; many
Indian businessmen traveled to these countries via water ways. They spread our culture
also. During the time of Britishers, many Indian were taken to Fiji, Mauritius, and other
island countries and got settled there. So, Indian rituals, festivals, are followed in many
countries.
Many travelers accounted their travelogues and beautifully narrated India as a treasure of
attractions. These travelers were Huan Sung, Fah Yan, Ibn Batuta, Vasco De Gama etc.
Arabs started calling India as Amazing place (now incredible India in English).
Char Dhams
There are four pilgrimage centres in Idnia i.e. Badrinath (in north), Jagannath Puri (in
Odisha), Dwaraka (in Gujrat) and Rameshwaram (in south). These are major pilgrimage
centres in the country. People visit thee places since time immemorial and feel blissful.
There are 12 (dwadas) Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
Spa
Spa is a place famous for hot sulphur water spring. During old time doctor were
prescribing bath in hot sulphur water to get rid of skin disease. It was a common practice.
People going for such purpose given the name of spa tourists.

Grand Tours
There was a fixed itinerary tour for affluent class youth to see France, Italy and other
countries. It was given the name of grand tours.
Tourism is a multifaceted activity. People travel for some purpose. There are a number
of forms of tourism, like: Medical Tourism, Adventure, Tourism, Health Tourism, Eco-
Tourism, Rural Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Hill Tourism, Dark Tourism, Special
Interest Tourism etc.
Tourism is a very old concept. People started travelling since time immemorial. Just after
learning plucking of fruits from trees and agriculture, it was the travel via water ways
(probably first mode of travel) in Sea and Rivers. Later on, when pathways were created
through forest, people travelled for war-fares or pilgrimage. Travel got boost up after the
introduction of currency, wheel, passport like documents and further momentum after
change of holydays to holidays.
In the middle of 20th century, Thomas Cook gave concept of tour en mass. It was like
manufacturing tour services for mass production. Mr. Pullman’s coaches were the
beginning point of tourist’s coaches. Mr. Avis introduced car rental concept.
There were hiccups during World Wars I and II. But, in post world war period travel got
momentum due to Jet Technology and Internet. The greatest game changers in speed of
aircraft (by Jet technology) and speed of signals (by internet). People started travelling in
peaceful era (after world war) as (governments of) emerging economies opened their
door for tourists in expectation to earn foreign exchange and (people in) developed
economies were seeking for relaxed atmosphere in new destinations.
After the successful climbing of Mount Everest, government of India established
mountaineering institutes at Manali, Joshimath, Pahalgaon and Darjeeling to motivate
youth towards adventure activities. It was a major step towards development of adventure
tourism in India. In the field of water sports, National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS)
was created at Goa.
Bharat Mahotsav, tourists offices of ministry of tourism and strong force of NRI’s are
constantly making efforts to market India.
Last decade of 20th century saw change in Cruises Tourism. Beginning of 21st century
confessed online travel companies working in big ways.
When tourism got the shape of planned, designed integration of various resources like:
tourist transport, accommodation, food, recreation etc. Tour Guide service became
imperative to assist the group and take care of ‘tour package software’ part also.
In India, foundation of tourism was kept after of constitution of one committee under Sir
Sarjent to take initiative for the development of tourism. Initially, ITDC was created and
hotels were built for travelers. In later stage, government opened many educational
establishments to develop human resource in the country. There are about more than 70
Universities, Colleges, Institutions are offering Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Courses.
IITTM, NCHMCT and IHM’s, FCI, Culinary Institute are major institutes in this area
beside tourism department in Bundelkhand University, Panjab University, H.P.
University, Kurukshetra Unity, H.N.B. Garhwal Central University etc.
Many state governments created Tourism Development Corporations and tourism
department in states to ensure more development.
Many new trains introduced in last 50 years like: Shatabdi Express, Palace on Wheels,
Duranto Express, Rajdhani Express, Gateman Express. For metro cities Metro trains
were planned and new concepts are also tried i.e. mono rail. In hilly regions toy train got
face lift and popularity due to access to panoramic views of mountains.
Deregulation of air lines sector adjusted pricing strategy and more number of people
started travelling by air. Low cost careers (LCC) got popularity and services to new
places. Helicopter service is more common and accessible by middle class pilgrims, who
wants to travel in less time.
IRCTC introduced innovations in train journey and catering services. Now people are
more accustomed to internet tickets (one step ahead of computerized tickets) and hygiene
in food services at their restaurants i.e. Cumsome.
But, restructuring of international economies, recession made, sudden emergencies
(SARS, Tsunami, Earth Quake etc) it more sensitive and taught tourism industry players
to planned and then operate.
Still there are few challenge of the tourism industry. These are rush and crush traffic,
sustainability, seasonality, pricing of product, segmentation etc.
In future, Tourism is expected to become major industry of the world. There will be more
growth in its’ allied sector i.e. cargo and logistics, events, hospitality, airlines etc.
There will be stiff completion among Asian countries to get the better share of tourist
traffic bound to Asia. Traffic will increase towards Africa (as it will grow more
industrially). New places will emerge and existing will saturate.
People will travel quite often with family and friends. Family tours will be marketed
more (as obviously people would like to spend more with family members). New modes
of clean transport will be introduced. Battery run cars or hybrid vehicle will be common.
There will be more number of capsule hotels. There will be more choice in food segment.
Tour guide will be full of information. His role will be more facilitating. Budget Tourists
awill also prefer to hire tour guide services.
Now, tourists are also categories as mass tourists, backpackers, excursionist, Foreign
Individual Tourist (FITs) etc.
1.4 Why Guiding is important?
An important question for every tour guide is why is guiding necessary for a traveller?
Will it survive after introduction of high tech devices, consoles, apps for guiding
virtually? What are the strengths of a tour guide? A tour guide must know following
points:
 Origin of various religions
Various religions have their roots in India and because of this people all
over the world looks towards India. Many dream of visiting shrines,
monuments and other religious places of Lord Buddha, Lord Rama, and
Sufi saints like Mohammed Gaus.
 Place of learning
India holds great value for those who want to learn Yoga, Meditation,
Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Traditional Dances and much more.
 Places of heritage
India has many heritages sites. These sites offer a view to the rich past (of
India) through the eyes of a tour guide.
 Places with rich culture
India is a country with warm climate and good agricultural resources apart
from this, rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Kaveri, and Mahanadi ensure
goods crops thus allowing people to enjoy culture.
 Diverse places, cultures, traditions at one place
When people visit India they could see many things. One can find
mountains, vast plains, desert, ravines, snow and beaches all in one
country.
 Sensitisation
Tour guide sensitize people about rich past, many issues related to
environment
and changing time. They make our past presentable. When you will go to
Ajanta,
Ellora, tour guides are very sensitive towards use of polybags, cleanliness
in caves
and tourists area. They educate visitors about the environment.
They connect stories with present day problems.
 Multiple views and thoughts
 o There are diverse views and thoughts in our country. It is welcomed in the
democratic system of India.
o India has had a well developed system to deal with travel since ancient
times. We had the concept of deshatan, teerthatan, paryatan. People
travelling to religious places for salvation were kept under the category of
teerthatan. In our system travel was always linked to its purpose. People
going to religious places were helped by Pandas in offering prayer and
completing rituals. It was a relationally rich network.
o People going to places for business had identified locals that could help
them liaison with the local businessmen. These merchants also had
arrangements for their stay.
o During the time of Sher Shah Suri, sarais were constructed on roadsides
for the purpose of accommodation.
 Linkage

A tour guides links you with the locals and helps to get knowledge about
villagers, living style, food habits, language. Sometimes, he acts as a translator.
He creates sense of trust for villagers as well as visitor.
1.14 History
Tour guiding is considered as one of the oldest occupations/professions of the
west. The evolution of tour guides and the guiding history was classified by Pond
(1993) into four periods:

First phase (3000 B.C. to A.D.500)

There are a number of references in history from the Roman Empire to the Middle
Age, throughout the renaissance and into the Modern Age. Tourism saw the first
major development during the period of the great empires. During this period,
travelling was risky, uncertain and time taking. The ancient Persians, Assyrians
and Egyptians used to travel through surface (land) and the waterways. This
activity spread and so did the number of guides, they were known as ‘explainers’
or ‘leaders around’ (as they lead the group), who mainly assisted visitors
travelling abroad.
Second phase (A. D.500 to A. D.1500)
The second phase is in the period between the fall of Rome and the start of
Renaissance known as the Middle Age and for approximately 1000 years from A.
D. 500 to 1500. Religious pilgrimage was the most prevalent type of journey by
the middle and the upper classes. The fall of Rome resulted in the decline of the
economy and chaos in the social order. The safety and security of the travellers
came as a serious concern; therefore the guides had to serve as a pathfinder,
safety escort and protector.

Third phase (A.D.1500 to around 1700)

The third phase covered the period of the Renaissance and the Grand Tour,
approximately A.D.1500 to around 1700. During the period of renaissance,
excursions were taken by the youth of prosperous families who were also called
‘Grand Tourists’ for cultural and educational reasons. These people (tourists)
were expected to enrich their knowledge through long journeys while being
accompanied by a guide who gave them information about tourist’s places to
sightsee, guides in this period came to be known as ‘cicerone’. The word cicerone
derives from Cicero, the most esteemed tour guide in the European society. The
guide was expected to be well versed in many practical subjects, areas, be
articulate and be multi-lingual.

Fourth Stage (post 1700)

Mr. Jan Carlzon (the former president of Scandinavian Airlines) termed the exact
instant when the customer (here tourists) has a direct contact with any of the
front-line employees/ staff as the ‘moment of truth’. This idea has had a marked
influence on the service industry (tourism and travel is a part of the service
industry) and is now globally accepted (Pond, 1993). Once the tourist arrives at
the tourist destination, the tour guide becomes responsible throughout the tour as
they are in regular touch with the tourist or traveller.
A tour guide’s job is physically and virtually demanding. (www.aitt.asn.au)
 (http://www.123helpme.com/brief-history-of-tour-guide-preview.asp?id=259328
accessed on 29th Jan.’2017 and Works Cited Principles and ethics of Tour
Guiding by Zenaida B. Cruz, Ph.D., p. 16 - 19)
1850
Phases in Tour Guiding

First Phase (3000 B.C. to A.D.500)

Second Phase (A. D.500 to A. D.1500)

Third Phase (A.D.1500 to around 1700)

Fourth Phase (post 1700)
 Tour Guiding
A Tour Guide is a person employed to show the tourist around places of interest. The
Activity of guiding tourists during a tour is known as tour guiding. Tour guiding is
ancient activity.
Summary
A Tour Guide is a person employed to show the tourist around places of interest.
His/her job is to explain the place, people, culture heritage, ethos, stories,
geography, language, traditions and festivals to the tourist. He makes them aware
about their objectives behind travelling.
The guiding history was classified by Pond (1993) into four periods. It can be
divided in to four phases. These are:-
(a) First phase ( 3000 BC to 500 AD)
(b) Second phase (500 AD to 1500 A.D.)
(c) Third phase (1500 to 1700 A.D.)
(d) Fourth phase (post 1700 A.D.)
The activity of guiding tourists during the tour is tour guiding. A tour requires the
attention of a guide to ensure meeting the expectations of clients. Tour guiding is
ancient activity.